Orbeez balls is small, colorful beads that grow in size when placed in water. They were first developed by a company called Zolo in the early 2000s and have since become a popular toy and stress relief tool for both children and adults.
The origins of Orbeez can be traced back to the early 2000s, when Zolo, a California-based company, began experimenting with ways to create a new type of water bead. At the time, water beads were primarily used in floristry and landscaping, but Zolo saw the potential for them to be used as a toy.
After several years of research and development, the company released Orbeez in 2005. These beads were made from a special type of polymer that could absorb water and grow to over 100 times their original size. They were available in a variety of colors and came in small packets that could be easily stored and transported.
Orbeez balls quickly gained popularity as a toy, and not just for children. Many adults found them to be a soothing and satisfying way to relieve stress and pass the time. The beads were also used in sensory bins and other educational activities for young children, as they provided a fun and tactile way to learn about size and shape.
In the years that followed, Orbeez continued to grow in popularity and became a household name.One of the main reasons for Orbeez’s success is the versatility of the beads. They can be used in a variety of ways, from sensory play to stress relief to decoration. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, as they are sold at most toy stores and online retailers.
In addition to their use as toys, Orbeez has also found a place in the medical field. Some therapists and rehabilitation centers use them in therapy sessions as a way to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Overall, Orbeez has come a long way since its inception in the early 2000s. From a small, California-based company, they have grown into a household name and a popular toy for both children and adults. Their versatility, affordability, and ability to provide a sense of satisfaction make them a beloved and enduring toy for many people around the world.
The science behind Orbeez and how they expand in water
Orbeez is small, bead-like objects that are made of a water-absorbing polymer. When they are placed in water, they absorb the water and expand to many times their original size. This process is known as hydration, and it occurs because the polymer in Orbeez is made up of long chains of molecules that can absorb and hold water. This makes the beads grow and get bigger. How much the polymer grows depends on what kind of polymer it is and how much water it takes in.
The polymer in Orbeez is a type of polyacrylamide, which is a synthetic polymer that is made from a chemical reaction between acrylonitrile and acrylamide. Polyacrylamides are known for their ability to absorb water, and they are often used in a variety of applications such as soil erosion control, water filtration, and as a thickening agent in products like shampoo and lotion.
When you put Orbeez in water, the water molecules stick to the polymer chains and get sucked into the beads. As the beads absorb more water, they begin to expand and grow in size. In the case of Orbeez, they can expand to many times their original size.
Orbeez is often used as a novelty item or as a sensory tool for children. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as in a sensory bin, as a tool for relaxation or stress relief, or as a decorative element in a fish tank or other aquatic settings. Regardless of how they are used, the science behind Orbeez is the same: they expand in water due to the properties of the polymer they are made from, which allows them to absorb and hold large amounts of water.
The expansion of Orbeez occurs because the polymer chains in the beads are made up of many small repeating units, or monomers, that are bonded together to form long chains. When water is added to the beads, it is attracted to the monomers and is absorbed into the polymer chains. This causes the chains to swell and expand, which results in the beads growing in size.
When they get wet, some polyacrylamides can grow to be many times their original size, while others may grow less. The expansion of Orbeez can also be influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of other substances in the water.
Also Read:Ultimate Guide About Orbeez balls Best way to shrink orbeez
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Orbeez is small, colorful beads that were first made by Zolo in the early 2000s. Since then, they have become a popular toy and a way to deal with stress. Made from a special type of polymer that can absorb water and grow to over 100 times its original size, Orbeez is available in a variety of colors and can be used in a variety of ways, including sensory play, stress relief, decoration, and even therapy. Their long-lasting popularity and wide appeal come from the fact that they can be used in many ways, are affordable and make people feel good.
